The referee makes the initial decision, then VAR checks the footage. If a likely clear and obvious error or serious missed incident appears, VAR recommends a review, but the referee always makes the final decision.
The process starts with the referee's own decision
The referee and the other match officials must always make an initial decision, including any disciplinary action, as if there were no VAR, except for a missed incident. The referee is not permitted to give 'no decision'.
A decision to let play continue after an alleged offence can still be reviewed, and the original decision stays in place unless the video review clearly shows a clear and obvious error.
VAR can assist with goal or no goal, penalty or no penalty, red card incidents, including a clearly incorrect second caution, and mistaken identity.
From check to final decision
Here is what happens at each stage.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Check | The VAR automatically checks the footage of every potential or actual goal, penalty or direct red card decision or incident, and every case of mistaken identity |
| Silent check | No clear and obvious error or serious missed incident: usually no need for the VAR to speak to the referee |
| Recommendation | A probable clear and obvious error or serious missed incident: the VAR tells the referee, who decides whether to start a review |
| On-field review | The referee views replay footage at the referee review area before deciding |
| VAR-only review | The referee decides on the referee's own perception and the VAR's information |
| Final decision | The referee shows the TV signal, immediately followed by the final decision |
What happens during a check
The VAR automatically checks the broadcast footage of every relevant situation, using different camera angles and replay speeds. When the check does not reveal a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident, there is usually no need for the VAR to speak to the referee. That is the silent check.
Sometimes a confirmation still helps the referee or assistant referee manage the players or the match. If a restart has to be delayed for the check, the referee signals it by clearly holding a finger to the earpiece or headset and extending the other hand or arm, and must keep that signal until the check is complete.
How a review is started and the two review routes
If the check indicates a probable clear and obvious error or serious missed incident, the VAR tells the referee. The referee then decides whether to initiate a review. The VAR and the other match officials can recommend a review, but only the referee can start one. The referee can also initiate a review when the referee suspects that something serious has been missed.
When the referee initiates a review, the referee delays the restart if play has already stopped; if play has not stopped, the referee stops play when the ball next enters a neutral zone or situation, usually when neither team is in an attacking move, and then gives the TV signal.
After the VAR describes what the replays show, the referee either goes to the referee review area to watch the footage before making the final decision, or decides from the referee's own perception and the information from the VAR, with input from other match officials where appropriate.
Here is when each type of review is used.
| Review type | When it is used | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| On-field review | Appropriate for subjective decisions | Intensity of a foul challenge, interference at offside, handball considerations |
| VAR-only review | Usually appropriate for factual decisions | Position of an offence or player, point of contact, location inside or outside the penalty area, ball out of play |
| On-field review | Can be used for a factual decision if it will help manage the players or the match or 'sell' the decision | A key match-deciding decision late in the game |
Replay speed, time and conduct during the review
Replay speed matters. In general, slow motion should only be used for facts, such as position, point of contact, or whether the ball was out of play; normal speed should be used for the intensity of an offence or to decide whether an incident was a handball offence. The referee can ask for other angles or additional replay speeds.
There is no time limit for the review process because accuracy is more important than speed, though the process should be completed as efficiently as possible. At the end of either review route, the referee must show the TV signal and then communicate the final decision.
Coaches and players do not need to ask for a check or a review because every relevant situation is checked automatically. During the review process, players, substitutes and team officials must not try to influence or interfere with it, including when the final decision is communicated; players should stay on the field, while substitutes and team officials should stay off it. The referee must remain visible during the process to ensure transparency.
FAQ
What is a VAR check?
A check is the automatic first look at the footage by the VAR. It is not yet a formal review by the referee; when it shows no clear and obvious error or serious missed incident, there is usually no need for the VAR to speak to the referee.
What is the difference between a VAR check and a VAR review?
A check is the screening step in the background. A review starts only if the referee decides to initiate one after a recommendation or after suspecting that something serious was missed.
What is an on-field review?
An on-field review is when the referee goes to the referee review area and watches the replay footage before deciding. It is appropriate for subjective decisions, and it can also be used for a factual decision if it will help manage the players or the match or 'sell' the decision.
Can a manager ask for a VAR review?
Coaches and players do not need to request a review because the relevant incidents are already checked automatically, and the decision to start a review belongs to the referee.